Carbon Footprint Modeling of a Clinical Lab

Abstract

Modeling of a clinical lab carbon footprint is performed in this study from the aspects of electricity, water, gas consumption and waste production from lab instruments. These environmental impact indicators can be expressed in the form of the CO 2 equivalent. For each type of clinical test, the corresponding consumption of energy resources and the production of plastics and papers are taken into consideration. In addition, the basic lab infrastructures such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, lights, and computers also contribute to the environmental impact. Human comfort is to be taken into account when optimizing the operation of lab instruments, and is related to the operation of HVAC and lighting systems. The detailed modeling takes into consideration the types of clinical tests, operating times, and instrument specifications. Two ways of disposing waste are classified. Moreover, the indoor environment is modeled. A case study of the Biochrom 30+ amino acid analyzer physiological system in Alder Hey Children's Hospital is carried out, and the methods of mitigating the overall environmental impacts are discussed. Furthermore, the influence of climate on the results is investigated by using the climate data in Liverpool and Athens in October.

Production and possible reduction of greenhouse gases produced during GI endoscopy activity: a systematic review of available literature

“…Reduced utilisation of equipment for tissue processing and use of laboratory stewardship can impact the carbon footprint and the waste generation in pathology laboratories 25. Use of multiple biopsy specimens (based on the clinical situation) in fewer cassettes might offer advantage after engaging in discussions with the pathologist 45. With increasing use of high-definition endoscopes, ability to inspect lesions with white-light and advanced imaging could potentially reduce the number of biopsy specimens especially in low yield conditions (small gastric fundic gland polyps, benign Brunner’s gland hyperplasia, hyperplastic lesions in the rectum, low-grade oesophagitis (Los Angeles oesophagitis grade A and B)) (table 3).…”

AnEAACIreview: Go green in health care and research. Practical suggestions for sustainability in clinical practice, laboratories, and scientific meetings

“…A clinical lab analyzed the energy needs of each device used for a specific method. 39 By adopting the usage time, the lab saved 30% of energy and carbon emissions without changing the method itself. The principles of green chemistry 42 and green analytical chemistry 43 can guide in the search for more sustainable methods.…”

“…Switching off instruments can also have a significant impact. A clinical lab analyzed the energy needs of each device used for a specific method 39 . By adopting the usage time, the lab saved 30% of energy and carbon emissions without changing the method itself.…”

Commercially available rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of high priority pathogens: status and challenges

“…Additionally, RDTs also decrease the carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy needed for analysis and skipping the transportation of samples to the lab to complete the analysis. [15][16][17] The technology behind most commercially available rapid diagnostic tests mainly focuses on lateral flow assays (LFA) 18 and electrochemical methods. 19 LFAs have shown their potential in applications such as pregnancy tests and the detection of illegal drugs.…”

“…23 Furthermore, LFA tests are disposable with no need for additional chemicals, and using LFAs brings about a massive reduction of the carbon footprint by avoiding transportation of samples to the lab and the use of specialized equipment during analysis. 15 A recent study showed that the estimated CO 2 emissions of a single full-blood examination test done in a clinical lab were equivalent to driving a standard car for 770 m. 16,17 The success of electrochemical RDTs is centered around the amperometric glucose sensor's commercial success, an RDT used by millions of diabetic patients worldwide. 24 Electrochemistry has been suggested as a technique that could be used to develop RDTs to detect diseases in outbreaks.…”